Wastewater Treatment Phase Progress Slowed Again

There have been a few hang ups throughout this small and short Phase One Project to build new head works at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Each time something happens it move the schedule further off track. Currently the Project is thirty days off schedule. Since the Village is under Findings and Orders from the EPA, this is a cause for concern. The EPA has been notified, and does realize it is not due to fault of the Village of Lynchburg.
REcently, the on site resident representative was at the end of his contract. The resident rep. acts as the eyes and ears for the Engineer and the Village. He keeps record of progress, potential problems, and changes during the project. He is like an inspector. Since the time of the project was extended, the Public Works committee and myself believe it was necessary to have someone on sight to oversee daily activities. So he was extended through Floyd Browne for another few weeks at a reduced schedule. The resident rep. will be on site when work is happening.
Now, there seems to be a problem with the wrong specification of concrete poured in the project. A grade was used that did not contain a fiber reinforcement.The spec. book apparently called for reinforcement. This may slow the project since there is some disagreement with what to do to repair the issue. There are two options. First is two jackhammer the concrete and re pour it. Second would be to coat the current concrete with a formula that may prevent cracking. There has not been a decision made. I just want everyone to know the progress and assure them, that I will hold everyone to the schedule, keep the cost down, and only approve quality workmanship on this project. I have attached a couple emails below that may help everyone better understand the situation.

May 4th (1st Correspondence)

Mayor/Aaron. Attached is the reply from our structural engineer with respect to the lack of fiber reinforcement in the fillet walls at the screen structure. The bottom line is that there is no product that will totally eliminate the occurrence of shrinkage cracks in the concrete once it has been placed. The Xypex product submitted does meet wastewater plant applications and will provide an integral water proofing condition at the surface of the concrete which will certainly seal any cracks that have developed in the curing process to date. But the Xypex product will require a continued maintenance program, since shrinkage cracks can continue to form.

If Sunesis and the Village can agree upon an extended warranty of this condition past the one year warranty, the Xypex treatment if installed per the manufacturer’s strict specifications, could be considered as an alternative to the total removal and replacement of the fillet walls.

James J. Klamet
Director

Floyd Browne Group

MAy 4th (2nd Correspondence)

Mayor/Aaron,

The specification for the fillet concrete is clearly spelled out in section 03300. It may have required clarification in the form of an RFI prior to placement of the fillet concrete, but this was not initiated by Sunesis. Although the concrete placed is sufficient in strength and the proper air entrained admixture for freeze-thaw protection is present, the ability for shrinkage cracks will continue to persist. The surface treatments proposed will certainly protect against any adverse effects of current shrinkage cracks. There is still a high probability that future shrinkage cracks can develop. Hence, the need for an extended warranty and future re-application of this proposed product may be required.

It is our structural engineer’s opinion that the Xypex system is a product better suited for this application, but only used in conjunction with an extended warranty from Sunesis. We support our structural consultant’s recommendation only. Short of that recommendation, the existing fillet concrete must be removed and replaced to meet the plan specification.

James J. Klamet
Director

Floyd Browne Group